Shonen Tapes

So this episode was a hard one, but it felt wrong not addressing. We honor the late great Akira Toriyama. After his sudden passing, we discuss Akira Toriyama’s greatest creation, Dragon Ball, and analyze how it has influenced our lives and ultimately impacted our personalities and values. 

We realize pretty quickly into the episode was that his influences go way deeper than either of us thought. This episode was therapeutic as we stroll down memory lane and recall our favorite memories watching Dragon Ball during the majority of our lives. 

We'd love to hear your favorite memories brought to you by Dragon Ball, so please share.

We hope you join us as we honor Akira Toriyama and his legendary work that will undoubtable forever live in hearts, and for generations to come. 

Thank you, Akira.

Links to everything HERE!

Have you other thought objectively, who are the TOP characters in Dragon Ball? Everyone has their favorite, but who's on the Mount Rushmore (plus 1) of the Dragon Ball world? To help us decide, we are joined by a very special guest, BlvcBulmaa!

For those of you that don't know her, she is a super active contributor to Dragon Ball news, knowledge, and driving conversation all over Instagram. If you're a fan of the series, do yourself a favor and subscribe to her ASAP.

Bringing an expert on the show was a great idea, as we all opened up each other to brand new points of view. The episode is structured with the usual learning about the guest and sprinkled in between is episode topic. Also...Sean does his Cell impression... 

You can catch BlvcBulmaa's on all social media platforms spelled the same way. Links below!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blvckbulmaa
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blvckbulmaa
Website: https://blvckbulmaa.com/

Links to everything HERE!

In today's episode, we go over two extremely similar villains from My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen (respectively). It's pretty clear Mahito took some inspiration from Shigaraki - but did he follow the JJK trend of getting inspired on something and overall improving on it?

The match up actually ended up being super close. Fighting skills, better written character, aesthetics, personality; we compare the whole nine yards.

So Tapeworms, let us know. Are ya'll rockin' with the league of villains dork or the curse??

Links to everything HERE!

OK FINE we'll do the episode. Today we cover the second installment of Vinland Saga. You might be surprised by our reactions, especially if you've heard our initial review review in episode 195. 

We examine the new characters and their impact on the story, shifts for returning characters, shifts in the tone of the show, least and most favorite character, if we think it's headed in a positive or negative direction, and lastly.. our patented 7 thumb rating for the season. 

So do tune in and enjoy. We're still regularly uploading on youtube as well, so check us out there if YouTube is more your speed!

This episode includes, Vinland Saga Season 2, Mappa, Anime, Jujutsu Kaisen, Thorfinn, Shonen

Links to everything HERE!

It's been a little while since we did a good ole fashioned rankings tape, so today we decided to jump into the world of Demon Slayer, and give our personal top 5. We also spent some time at the end of the episode trying to pick out the objectively best characters of the show. 

What made us do Demon Slayer? No idea, but it was so much fun to talk about.

What are your top 3 characters? Go on over and comment on the YouTube if you have a moment!

This episode includes: Demon Slayer, Tanjiro, Tengin, Zenitsu, Nezuko, Muzan, Chainsaw Man, My Hero Academia, Anime

Links to everything HERE!

Since our favorite baldy is out sick today, we have asked a friend of the podcast, Cisco from the Dough Bois Podcast, to join us today.

Cisco specializes in Amazon Reselling but also dabbles in a bit of Anime, so we spend the first part of the episode learning a little bit more about what that entails as a side hustle. We take advantage of picking the brain of somebody who isn't deep into the anime world and getting his very unexpected takes.  Very...very unexpected takes.

This was a  fun episode and Cisco is a natural fit, so please go show his youtube some love if you've ever thought about becoming an Amazon Reseller or want to learn more about an entrepreneurial mindset.

Here is their Youtube - https://youtube.com/@doughboismedia?si=wGySJDHEdFCsGDzM
Here is his Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/flippingitwithcisco?igsh=MThreTFvZ2l5YjZmdg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Links to everything HERE!

So we've been feeling a little introspective here lately, and decided to take a look into what anime we have completely changed our tune on. This podcast has  forced us to watch shows we would have otherwise skipped, or not given a second chance on if we were disappointed...and we're seeing that's for the better!

What we're noticing is that sometimes we can have some super-valid criticisms about how bad or lacking a show is for the first few seasons, but that doesn't mean the show is going to be continue it's lack of storytelling, character building, or whatever it was that turned us off in the first place.

So today we pick some of the shows we have changed our minds on, why we have changed our minds, and what seems to be some trends for stories at the start, versus having some time to flesh the world out.

ALSO - We found a platform that works regularly for YouTube! Come show us some love.

This episode includes: Dragon Ball Super, Vinland Saga, My Hero Academia, HunterXHunter, Demon Slayer, Goblin Slayer

Links to everything HERE!

YAOOO we back baby with another banger. After hearing that a show broke One Piece's Gear 5 Luffy episode, we had to immediately check-in to see what all the hype was about.

At the time of the recording, from the 2 episodes out, we react to the show and try to guess why it's so successful. We haven't read ahead, so we throw out some predictions as well.

We also start out the episode by giving our thoughts on the first few episodes of Season 2 of Vinland Saga as a sneak peek for the eventual Vinland Sage Tape.

Worth noting - we again recorded this video for YouTube, and again the system craped out on us. Sorry yall.. we're trying. Please go give last week's video some love if you haven't already!

This episode includes: Jujutsu Kaisen, Solo Leveling, Goblin Slayer, My Hero Academia, Shield Hero

Links to everything HERE!

OUR FIRST EPISODE IS NOW LIVE ON YOUTUBE, GO GO GO! 

Okay, now that that is out of the way, on to the episode. Honestly, we both felt like we had a lot more to say from last week's episode, and wanted to spend a little more time focusing on some of the positive aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, so that's exactly what we did.

Kevin starts off the episode directly speaking to some of the rebuttals you guys tore him up with over discord and social media, while Sean picks up his sword and defends your honor. Afterwards, we shift our focus on to some of the more fun aspects Jujutsu Kaisen brought to us this season, and talk way more about who impressed us this season and why. We also spend a little time theory crafting and other fun stuff. 

Lastly, especially if you want Vinland Saga Season 2 next week, go show our YouTube some love and feast your eyes on our ugly faces. 

This episode includes: Gojo, Itadori, Yuji, Todo, Megumi, JJK, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball, DBZ, HunterXHunter, Bleach

Links to everything HERE!

The rollercoaster of a banger, also known as Jujutsu Kaisen has finally concluded its second season. While the majority of the internet is in an agreement that season 2 was amazing, Kevin spends this episode making the argument that it was overrated. 

The bulk of the episode is the back and forth with us debating the quality, rushed storytelling, character focus, and its overall performance. 

We also pick our favorite characters, fights, and moments from the season. 

What do you guys think: Does Kevin have a point, or is he trippin?

This episode includes: Gojo, Itadori, Yuji, Todo, Megumi, JJK, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Dragon Ball, DBZ, HunterXHunter

Links to everything HERE!

Links to everything HERE!

Today we dive into the man that used to be Goku's GO-TO GUY. It's crazy that somebody with such heavy impact early on in the series would go on to not even be considered a top 10 character anymore. The Shonen Tapes take a slight issue with this, so in this episode, we try to rectify it.

With these improvement tapes, as always, we break down what the issues with the characters are, and why they have fallen out of flavor. Krillin is one of our more obvious cases, but we really believe we came up with some fixes that could do the series some good.

We hope you guys have been enjoying the episodes. And honestly.. we're hoping Akira Toriyama tunes in too for our suggestions! 

This episode includes: DBZ, Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Super, Dragonball, Goku, Vegeta, Trunks, Cell, Frieza, Majin Buu, Jujutsu Kaisen, Piccolo, Dragon Ball Z, Krillin, Anime

Links to everything HERE!

It's been a little while since we've opened up a can of Dragon Ball, so we decided to chronologically go through from Z to Super and dissect the standout fights. We skipped the OG Dragon Ball, so if you're fan...sorry.

We usually like to list out our favorite fights with some sort of top 5, but we decided to take a completely different approach so we wouldn't skip as much. Obviously we know there are some gems we're missing out on, but we're pretty sure we got the most memorable ones! 

The criteria we used on judging a good fight is the choreography, the story leading up to it, and the finish. Also, for some reason, Sean mentions his loins?

Jump on the Discord and let us know which ones we missed out on, or if you disagree with any of these takes!

This episode includes: Dragon Ball Z, DBZ, Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Frieza, Majin Buu, Beerus, Trunks, Dragon Ball Super, Cell, Android, Dr. Gero, Whis, Gotanks, Anime

Links to everything HERE!

Get ready for another good ole' fashioned Shonen Tapes Versus episode, as we take a dive into the world of Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer.

In one corner, we have Eren Yeager, the Titan shifter. In the other corner, we have Tanjiro, the kind Samurai of the World of Demon Slayer.

But the question remains: who's better? 

Join us as we pit these powerhouses against each other, analyzing their strengths, sense of humor, character development, backstories, and finally, who’s winning a fight? We had to level the playing field a bit, so for the majority of the episode, it will be Eren pre-season 4.

We also jump into how they would handle being the main protagonist for each other's shows and have some fun with it.

Side note - We tried some new editing software for this episode, so let us know how the quality compares to the regular ones when you get a sec!

This episode includes: Eren Yeager, Tanjiro Yamada, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, Anime 

Links to everything HERE!

Baaa!! Baaa!  Join us today, as we are tackling the goats of Anime, and aside from picking a Mount Rushmore, we are narrowing down what we believe to be the greatest anime of all time. 

We base our picks on cultural impact, longevity, quality, and public opinion. Obviously there are a good amount of goat contenders, so there is plenty of discourse to be had. While we are in agreement with each other, we can totally imagine that some of you will whole heartedly disagree with us. So let us know what you think, by joining the discord, or commenting on whatever platform you saw this on. 

What 4 anime are in your Mount Rushmore, and what anime is the greatest of all time?

This episode includes: Black Clover, Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist, Pokemon, Dragon Ball, Attack On Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia

Links to everything HERE!

Today we react to this masterpiece of a show, and really see if the ending was as bad as *everyone* made it out to be! From the protagonist, to the antihero, Eren Yaegar took us for one heck of a ride. 

During this episode, we dissect the choices made by Isayama and his how he attempts to shape the opinions of his audience when it comes to the Yaegarmeister. We react to the ending credits and everything it alluded to. And lastly, we see if Attack On Titan delivered an ending as powerful as the rest of the series. 

Do not hesitate to join the discord and let us know how you feel. Also if you're enjoying these, share with your friends!! 

Links to everything HERE!

We go on a huge tangent from the usual format and talk about how weapons are handled in anime. In general, a show is either completely based on weapons (usually swords), or only has them sprinkled in. 

In general, it seems like ability-based feats are more revered than weapon-based anime - why is that? 

We tackle that today, as well as talk about the best ways different anime has utilized weapons and made them feel special. We list off some of our favorite ones, some lame ones, and get a bit of creative juices flowing while we try to picture what other weapons that could be more featured heavily in anime.

This episode includes: Naruto, Bleach, Dragon Ball, Attack On Titan, Demon Slayer, Shield Hero, Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, Soul Eater, Rurouni Kenshin

Links to everything HERE!

Okay this by far the most abstract episode we have done in years. Absolutely giving Shonen Tapes 2021 vibes. We basically were thinking what would make a good horror series, but instead of doing the usual "what do you" like and "what don't you like" type questions, we ventured into our creative sides and both created a spooky series for spooky season from scratch.

Basically, we grabbed characters from different shows, changed their relationships, and tried to see who could make the more captivating series. Have to warn you - this whole episode felt like a riff, but it was very funny, and fun to do. Let us know if you like these types of episodes and we'll absolutely do more.  

This episode Includes: Dragon Ball, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, My Hero Academia, Pokemon, Attack on Titan, Death Note, Sailor Moon, Blue Lock, Ranking of Kings

Links to everything HERE!

This episode we dive into the creative and powerful transformations across anime. We also touch on the less impressive ones and try to guess why they are lackluster vs their compelling counterparts. 

Does Dragon Ball have some good ones because they’ve made so many attempts, or do they just have the formula down? Are we tired of the typical transform when the cards are stacked against you trope yet?

Hope y’all enjoy, and while you’re here - let us know what some of your favorite transformations are!

This episode includes: Naruto, Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia, Chainsaw Man, Dragon Ball Super, HunterXHunter, Yuyu Hakusho, Mob Psycho, One Piece

Links to everything HERE!

Today we are exploring the origin story of the blue DLC character from Super Smash Brothers - Richtor Belmont😉

Now we tried to tackle this episode in a way where there wouldn’t be spoilers if you hadn’t seen, but some were unavoidable. It’s honestly a good way to judge if this spinoff series from Castlevania is worth the watch! 

For the old Shonen Tapes fans, we opened up the episode quickly reacting to Drake’s For All The Dogs album. 

So join us Tapeworms, and don’t hesitate to let us know if you disagree with our opinions on this show..

This Episode Includes: Castlevania, Alucard, Dracula, Anime, Shonen

Links to everything HERE!